DB with recent LSU offer has had unique connection to Tigers his whole life

Brian Squeglia is LSU’s new lead personnel analyst, and his recent trip to Alabama has resulted in a mission to flip one of the nation’s top defensive backs.

J’Marick Woods is committed to Michigan. Rated as the nation’s No. 25 safety by the 247Sports Composite rankings, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound safety was taken aback when he picked up an offer from LSU on Tuesday.

The Florence (Ala.) High School product conceded that it’s a big deal to be offered by the Tigers, who have a reputation as “DBU,” especially when that school has produced the defensive back that Woods idolizes.

“It means a lot because my favorite player, Tyrann Mathieu, went there also,” Woods told SEC Country in regards to the LSU offer. “It caught my attention because I grew up wanting to be like the Honey Badger.”

Mathieu, of course, is now a star safety for the Arizona Cardinals, but began his career as one of LSU’s most versatile members of the secondary.

Though Woods aspires to play like Mathieu, he understands the two have different physical attributes. However, he believes there is one major commonality.

“He is a smaller, quicker player, and I’m a longer, rangy player,” he explained, “but we are both aggressive in what we do and we’re both able to make big plays.”

Squeglia’s trip to the Heart of Dixie included an offer, but there is still a lot to be determined with LSU’s future involving Woods.

The 14th-rated prospect from the state of Alabama was invited to visit LSU’s campus multiple times this upcoming summer, including an unofficial visit as early as June, and another trip for a prospect camp again in July.

Woods plans to make the trek to Baton Rouge, La., for both visits.

“They want me to visit so that we can talk more,” he said. “They want me to visit the campus first, then come to the campus again in July, if I can make it.”

LSU’s coaches have informed Woods that the school has been keeping tabs on the safety for some time, though no contact had been made prior to Memorial Day.

The offer signified the interest, though LSU will have its work cut out to try and flip the hard Michigan commit.

Because of the Tigers’ long-standing reputation and the desire to follow in Mathieu’s footsteps, LSU will get its chance to make its pitch to Woods.

In other words, don’t close the door on LSU’s chance just yet.

“I’m still 100 percent (committed) to Michigan,” Woods said. “LSU had been interested in me for a while, and it’s ‘DBU.’ LSU is known for having some of the top defensive backs in college football.”

Sam Spiegelman covers LSU football recruiting for SECCountry.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play in Tigers Stadium.